Beyond that, you've no doubt asked yourself many other questions, like: "How will the different types of windows fit in with the overall look of your home? How customizable are they?"
Beyond the aesthetics, there are other considerations, like energy efficiency – with energy prices constantly on the rise, which windows will perform better at keeping the elements out and your energy costs down?
In this article, we'll discuss the different questions you should ask when buying replacement windows for your home.
Question: What is the price of each option?
This is usually the first step on any big purchase, and it's a reasonable starting point for windows too. However, there are a number of other factors to consider. For instance, what is the overall value of the windows you're purchasing? If you're buying a less expensive window that will last only half as long as another option, you're ultimately just delaying the rest of your costs.
There's also energy efficiency -- a less expensive option may be less energy efficient; and if that's the case, you're saving in one aspect of your home but having to pay more in another -- which isn't much of a win at all!
Question: How customizable is each window option?
Vinyl windows are not able to be painted, and because of their eventual warping require more windowpane to secure. Wood and fiberglass windows are easier to integrate into the look of your home, offer many painting options, and require less of the windowpane as they're stronger than vinyl and far less prone to warping.
So if you're OK with windows that might not fit in with the overall look of your house, and will take up more space in your window frame, then vinyl is a fine option for you. However, if you need to take more steps to have your windows match the overall aesthetic of your home, you may need the flexibility of fiberglass or wood.
Question: How energy efficient is each window?
The first step here is to look for the "Energy Star" rating. These are federal guidelines on energy efficiency. The good news is that many modern windows are built with energy efficiency in mind; so if you're replacing very old windows, you're likely to see an improvement no matter what type of window you choose.
Some windows are more energy efficient than others, so if that is an important consideration for you, be sure to ask questions regarding energy efficiency.
Question: Do these windows have a proven track record?
When it comes to windows, you want to make sure they're built to last. There are a number of organizations that put windows through vigorous testing. One such group is the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, which has developed specific guidelines that windows have to meet so that they'll last season after season. Be sure to look into the history of the company and its historic reliability.
In Conclusion:
With these simple questions as your guide, you'll be well positioned to make an informed choice on your new replacement windows.
Beyond the aesthetics, there are other considerations, like energy efficiency – with energy prices constantly on the rise, which windows will perform better at keeping the elements out and your energy costs down?
In this article, we'll discuss the different questions you should ask when buying replacement windows for your home.
Question: What is the price of each option?
This is usually the first step on any big purchase, and it's a reasonable starting point for windows too. However, there are a number of other factors to consider. For instance, what is the overall value of the windows you're purchasing? If you're buying a less expensive window that will last only half as long as another option, you're ultimately just delaying the rest of your costs.
There's also energy efficiency -- a less expensive option may be less energy efficient; and if that's the case, you're saving in one aspect of your home but having to pay more in another -- which isn't much of a win at all!
Question: How customizable is each window option?
Vinyl windows are not able to be painted, and because of their eventual warping require more windowpane to secure. Wood and fiberglass windows are easier to integrate into the look of your home, offer many painting options, and require less of the windowpane as they're stronger than vinyl and far less prone to warping.
So if you're OK with windows that might not fit in with the overall look of your house, and will take up more space in your window frame, then vinyl is a fine option for you. However, if you need to take more steps to have your windows match the overall aesthetic of your home, you may need the flexibility of fiberglass or wood.
Question: How energy efficient is each window?
The first step here is to look for the "Energy Star" rating. These are federal guidelines on energy efficiency. The good news is that many modern windows are built with energy efficiency in mind; so if you're replacing very old windows, you're likely to see an improvement no matter what type of window you choose.
Some windows are more energy efficient than others, so if that is an important consideration for you, be sure to ask questions regarding energy efficiency.
Question: Do these windows have a proven track record?
When it comes to windows, you want to make sure they're built to last. There are a number of organizations that put windows through vigorous testing. One such group is the American Architectural Manufacturers Association, which has developed specific guidelines that windows have to meet so that they'll last season after season. Be sure to look into the history of the company and its historic reliability.
In Conclusion:
With these simple questions as your guide, you'll be well positioned to make an informed choice on your new replacement windows.
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